Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.18174/sesmo.2020a16340
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Formalising theories of human decision-making for agent-based modelling of social-ecological systems: practical lessons learned and ways forward
Author Schwarz, N.; Dressler, G.; Frank, K. ORCID logo ; Jager, W.; Janssen, M.; Müller, B. ORCID logo ; Schlüter, M.; Wijermans, N.; Groeneveld, J.
Source Titel Socio-Environmental Systems Modelling
Year 2020
Department OESA; iDiv
Volume 2
Page From art. 16340
Language englisch
Supplements https://sesmo.org/article/view/16340/17397
Keywords Agent-based modelling; theories on human decision-making; model documentation; formalisation; natural resource use
Abstract Incorporating representations of human decision-making that are based on social science theories into social-ecological models is considered increasingly important – yet choosing and formalising a theory for a particular modelling context remains challenging. Here, we reflect on our experiences of selecting, formalising and documenting psychological and economic theories of human decision-making for inclusion in different agent-based models (ABMs) of natural resource use. We discuss the challenges related to four critical tasks: How to select a theory? How to formalise a theory and how to translate it into code? How to document the formalisation? In this way, we present a systematic overview of the choices researchers face when including theories of human decision-making in their ABMs, reflect on the choices we made in our own modelling projects and provide guidance for those new to the field. Also, we highlight further challenges regarding the parameterisation and analysis of such ABMs and suggest that a systematic overview of how to tackle these challenges contributes to an effective collaboration in interdisciplinary teams addressing socio-ecological dynamics using models.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=23985
Schwarz, N., Dressler, G., Frank, K., Jager, W., Janssen, M., Müller, B., Schlüter, M., Wijermans, N., Groeneveld, J. (2020):
Formalising theories of human decision-making for agent-based modelling of social-ecological systems: practical lessons learned and ways forward
Socio-Environmental Systems Modelling 2 , art. 16340 10.18174/sesmo.2020a16340